Noise Program
Overview
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) recognizes that aircraft noise can impact the quality of life for nearby residents and communities. We are committed to providing information, listening to community concerns, and helping residents better understand how aircraft operations are managed.
While AUS operates the airport, AUS does not control where aircraft fly or the altitude at which they operate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for managing the nation’s airspace and directing aircraft to ensure safe and efficient travel.
AUS monitors aircraft noise, tracks trends, responds to community questions, and works with the FAA and airline partners when appropriate. Community members can share their concerns <insert link> and use the resources on this page to learn more about aircraft noise, flight paths, and the roles of the organizations involved.
- FAA Outreach - 2026
The FAA is proposing updates to satellite-based air traffic procedures that will help enhance safety and improve air traffic efficiency at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. To find out more about the proposed changes, visit their website.
- Have a Noise Concern?
You can submit a formal noise concern to our office by filling out our AUS Noise Report Form.
- Additional Resources
AUS Environmental Affairs and Environmental Assessment materials
FAA Noise Complaints & Inquiries
FAA How to File a Noise Complaint
FAA ANCIR Portal- Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides where aircraft can fly?
The FAA manages all U.S. airspace and determines aircraft routes, altitudes, and air traffic control procedures. While AUS operates the airport, it does not control individual flight paths or aircraft altitudes. AUS monitors community concerns and shares feedback with the FAA, which makes all airspace decisions.
How does AUS track aircraft noise?
AUS uses an Aircraft Noise and Operations Monitoring System that combines noise-monitor data with aircraft flight-track information. The system helps the airport review noise events, flight paths, runway use, aircraft altitudes, and long-term trends.
How does AUS manage aircraft noise around the airport?
AUS manages aircraft noise by monitoring operations, tracking trends, responding to community concerns, and supporting compatible land use around the airport.
Because the FAA controls aircraft routes, altitudes, and air traffic procedures, AUS cannot change flight paths or restrict aircraft operations. However, AUS uses noise and flight data to better understand impacts and address community questions.
AUS has also completed FAA-approved noise compatibility planning, which helped identify and address eligible land-use impacts near the airport.
How can I track flights or see what's flying over me?
Community members can use publicly available flight-tracking websites and mobile apps to view aircraft activity in the Austin area, including aircraft location, altitude, and flight information when available.
If submitting a noise concern <link>, please include the date, time, location, and a brief description of what you experienced, including info obtained by a flight-tracking service.
Why are planes flying over my house / why has the flight path changed?
Aircraft may fly over different areas due to weather, wind direction, runway use, air traffic volume, and FAA air traffic control instructions. Changes in these conditions can affect which neighborhoods experience arrivals and departures.
The FAA manages aircraft routes and air traffic procedures. While AUS does not control where aircraft fly, the airport can review available flight and noise data and respond to community questions.
What are aircraft noise contours, and when are they updated?
Aircraft noise contours are maps that show average aircraft noise exposure around an airport. They do not show every location where aircraft can be heard.
Noise contours are typically updated as part of FAA-required studies, such as environmental reviews or noise compatibility planning. The most recent noise assessment for AUS was completed during the Airport Expansion and Development Program Environmental Assessment, which received FAA approval in 2022.
Why do some aircraft seem to fly so low?
Aircraft altitude varies based on factors such as aircraft type, weight, weather, runway use, and FAA air traffic control instructions. Arriving aircraft are descending to land, while departing aircraft climb at different rates depending on their size and weight.
Can AUS create a curfew or quiet hours for aircraft operations?
No. Federal law limits an airport’s ability to restrict when aircraft may operate. Any new curfew or operational restriction would require a detailed FAA review and approval process, making such restrictions difficult to implement.
9. How do I submit an aircraft noise concern?
Please fill out our AUS Noise Concern Form.
Will aircraft noise increase as AUS grows?
As air travel demand grows, aircraft operations at AUS may increase, which can lead to more frequent overflights and noise events. While newer aircraft are generally quieter than older models, overall noise exposure can still increase as the number of flights increases.
Does AUS buy out properties affected by aircraft noise?
AUS does not have an active property buyout program for aircraft noise. Previous FAA-approved noise compatibility programs included property acquisition and mitigation efforts, which were completed before 2014. Any future program would require separate planning, funding, and FAA approval.